India and Pakistan should play more matches: Malik

Veteran Pakistan all-rounder Shoaib Malik has once again insisted that India and Pakistan should play more matches as the arch-rivals are set to face each other on September 19 since Champions trophy 2017 final.

Talking to media at Gaddafi Stadium Lahore on Friday, the 36-year-old said, “The India-Pakistan match in the Asia Cup is just another game for me. If you think too much about the game then you create pressure for yourself.”

"I would say that we should consider this just another game and would say the same to my team-mates, he said adding, This is the kind of a game which is watched with great interest in India, Pakistan and abroad.”

“This is a big opportunity for players as the one who performs in such a game becomes a hero.”

India and Pakistan should play more matches, he said adding, because people from both countries travel between the countries when bi-lateral series happens, it helps in uniting the people.

Both team's players are professionals and they know how to behave on the field and off the field, he stated.

“When we are not playing against each other, we are having meals together and that is how it should be, not only with India-Pakistan but with other teams also,” Malik said.

Commenting on Mohammad Hafeez’s selection issue, he said this is not his domain, but when he become a selector he will respond to this [Hafeez non-selection].

He further said every player, whether new or old, tries to fulfill the tasks that he is given. “I cannot say more as I am also contracted and this is not my domain.”

Malik also requested the fans to pay for him and his wife Indian tennis star Sania Mirza, as they are set to become parents.

“To be a father is a big thing and I am very excited and I would ask all to pray that all goes well [ baby due in October]. The management have given me a clear message that I can leave when I have to for the delivery as family comes first,”

On lighter note he said the nationality of the baby will be of a third country and not Pakistani or Indian.

He once again repeated that that the 2019 50 Over World Cup will be his last World Cup.

“My goal is also to play World T20 and end my T20 career after that but that depends on my fitness and will be based on discussions with the PCB as I believe honesty is important as a cricketer; if you feel that another player can come in place of you and play better than he should be given a chance.”